The NPD Group's Karen Grant noted, "growth remains positive for both the prestige and mass channels." However, "The trend of prestige beauty outpacing mass beauty continues to be evident since the recessionary period of 2009 and will likely continue into 2013."

According to an analyst insight article focused on the U.K., cautious consumer spending has created a challenge for prestige beauty that offers two choices: either create offerings at lower prices or increase perceived value for money and therefore prices. In skin care, the latter option appears to be working.

The company's Sunsilk hair care brand joined the company's group of €1 billion brands, and Unilever's personal care division recorded a turnover of €4.7 billion for the fourth quarter of 2012 and of €18.1 billion for full year 2012.

Although fourth quarter net sales dropped for the company, the performance was better than expected, and the company's U.S.-based sales for full year 2012 were $82.3 million, a 31.1% leap from 2011’s $62.8 million.